Rockingham County Sheriff's Office, Virginia
End of Watch: Monday, February 7, 1983
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: 214
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 7, 1983
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Not available
Deputy Sheriff John Rafter was shot and killed after he became overpowered by a prisoner he was transporting to the Augusta County Jail, Virginia.
Deputy Rafter had stopped to assist a disabled motorist on the exit ramp from I-81 to U.S. Route 250 when the prisoner overpowered him and gained control of his .357 caliber service revolver. The suspect shot Deputy Rafter as they struggled in the front seat of the patrol car.
The suspect was convicted of murdering Deputy Rafter and sent to prison.
Deputy Rafter had served with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office for six years. He was survived by his wife, parents, brother, and sister.